Chapter 18
Juliet
Ishould be mad at Blair for faking being sick, for not telling me what she was up to, for a million things maybe. But as I feel Parker’s big hand around mine, I’m not mad, not in the slightest. Maybe she lied, but I’d say it worked out for the best.
Even if I don’t know what’s going to happen with the two of us, or how we’re going to make the long-distance thing work, it feels right, and I’ll never be mad at her for that.
We walk into the ballroom, which looks insanely different than it did the other day.
Instead of tables set up for us to meet with fans, everything has been turned into a magical winter ball.
People in beautiful ball gowns and stunning tuxes twirl around the dance floor. Everything looks and feels glamorous.
“This is stunning,” Blair says, pulling out her phone from her bag. “Let me get a picture of the two of you. Then we can get one of the three of us.”
Parker, whose hand hasn’t left my back since we walked into the lodge, puts an arm around my shoulders, and we smile at the camera.
Once Blair takes a selfie, the three of us head out to the dance floor that’s already full of people.
Everyone is dressed to the nines, and even though it’s a fast song, Parker pulls me close to him. I raise my arms as we dance together.
Blair groans. “You two are disgustingly cute.”
“Thanks?” I laugh.
“Just don’t forget me now that you’re in love.”
Parker stills, his eyes locking with mine. Neither of us have said anything about love—it’s far too early for that. Blair continues to dance, oblivious that she just opened a can of worms that Parker and I should probably talk about.
The song ends and fades into a slower song. Parker and I sway together. “You don’t have to say that yet,” he blurts. “I mean, this is all new. We don’t have to even talk about more than being two people who kiss.”
He seems so nervous it makes me grin. “I like you, Parker. A lot. I can say that.”
His shoulders relax a little under my hands. “Good.”
“And I like what you said about going slow and figuring this out.” I’ve been thinking about it for the past twenty-four hours, and I’ve decided that if there was anyone I was going to be long distance with, it would be him. “We’ll talk all the time still, even though we’re busy.”
“Thank goodness for phones,” he chuckles.
“We’ll figure it out. In our own time, even if Blair is trying to plan our wedding.”
He shakes his head. “She’s gonna be the death of me.”
“But hey, some of her pushing made this happen.” I gesture between the two of us and his hands tighten around my waist.
“I think she’d like to take all the credit, but let’s be real, this was all us.”
I bite my lower lip. “Okay, you might be right about that. She just gave us more time together to figure it all out.”
He leans down, pressing a gentle kiss against my forehead. “And I’ll be forever grateful for that.”
I close my eyes, relishing the moment. I never knew that being with someone could feel like this. Safe. Whole. It might be soon, but I can see myself falling in love with him, building a life with him. I guess time will tell if I can actually trust my gut or not.
The song ends and we pull apart. “I’m going to go find some water,” I say.
“Want me to come with you?” he asks.
“I’ll be good. See you in a second.” I make my way toward the table full of treats and drinks.
I find the water and take a slow sip, scanning the ballroom.
I spot Mr. Mynt in another one of his Christmas suits and smile.
I love how much the man loves Christmas.
Later, he’ll announce the winner of the ballroom competition.
My chest aches for a moment. This week went too fast, and I didn’t do everything I thought I was going to do.
As I scan the room, though, my eyes land on Blair and Parker and the ache in my chest eases a little.
Maybe I didn’t do everything that I was “supposed” to do this week, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
As I walk toward the two of them, Parker’s eyes scan the room and I know he’s searching for me.
His smile slips when he doesn’t see me. He turns again, scanning the room and saying something to Blair, and she starts scanning too. Neither of them see me until I’m right in front of them. I touch Parker’s arm. “I’m right here.”
His entire body relaxes. He’s been more on edge than I have since Axel’s texts.
But so far, there’s been no sign of my ex, despite his weird threats.
I blocked his number, and it feels like a weight has been lifted and a chapter of my life officially closed.
I’m ready to start the next chapter, with Parker.
“Dance with me?” I ask him as another slow song starts.
He gathers me in his arms. “Like I’d miss a chance to hold you.”
We laugh, his eyes sparkling under the glimmering lights, and all that matters is that the two of us are here, trying, and figuring it out. Who knows what the future will bring, but tonight, we’re together.